The centers have been a cornerstone of basketball since its origin. An intense center refers to having a keen interior defender to grab the rebounds while scoring offensively.
From the soaring giants who conquered the paint to the skilled big men who could stretch the floor, centers have played a vital role in shaping the game.
With the game's evolution to a quicker pace and rim shooting, centers began diversifying their skill sets. Olajuwon's agility and footwork revolutionized post-play, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's unstoppable skyhook redefined offensive dominance.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Years Active - 1969 to 1989 [6 rings]
Career Summary - 1560 Games, 24.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 11.2 RPG, 55.9 FG%, 72.1 FT%
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the titans in the NBA's pantheon of excellent centers. He leads the NBA in scoring all-time with 38,387 points.
In his honor, the NBA introduced the Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award in 2021 to be handed annually to current players for upholding the league's decades-long equality values.
2. Shaquille O'Neal
- Years Active - 1992 to 2011 [4 Rings]
Career Summary - 1207 Games, 23.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 10.9 RPG, 58.2 FG%, 52.7 FT%
Nicknamed "Shaq Diesel," Shaquille O'Neal needs no introduction. He is a force of nature who dominated the NBA for nearly two decades.
Big and incredibly athletic, he was agile and possessed a rare combination of power and finesse.
The 2000 NBA MVP Shaq was named the NBA All-Star fifteen times and the NBA All-Star Game MVP three times in 2000, 2004, and 2009.
3. Hakeem Olajuwon
- Years Active - 1984 to 2002 [2 Rings]
Career Summary - 1238 Games, 21.8 PPG, 2.5 APG, 11.1 RPG, 51.2 FG%, 71.2 FT%
Hakeem Olajuwon transcended the image of the traditional center, showcasing a blend of unmatched footwork, offensive artistry, and defensive prowess.
The 1994 NBA MVP was just a scorer. He was a defensive anchor, averaging 3.1 blocks per game and leading the NBA in rebounding twice.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
- Years Active - 1959 to 1973 [2 Rings]
Career Summary - 1045 Games, 30.1 PPG, 4.4 APG, 22.9 RPG, 54.0 FG%, 51.1 FT%
Eminent for his exceptional athleticism, potency, and scoring prowess, Wilt Chamberlain holds numerous NBA records, including the iconic 100-point game.
The two-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP Wilt's impact on the game was undeniable. He redefined the center position, forcing teams to adapt to his unique skillset.
5. Bill Russell
- Years Active - 1956 to 1969 [11 Rings]
Career Summary - 963 Games, 15.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 22.5 RPG, 44.0 FG%, 56.1 FT%
Bill Russell soars tall among the pantheon of NBA greats, not just for his outstanding personal honors but for his unparalleled contribution to team success.
Throughout his 13-year career, entirely spent with the Boston Celtics, Russell amassed a staggering 11 NBA championships, a feat unlikely to be matched.
This reign of supremacy firmly demonstrates him as the most decorated champion in NBA history.
6. Moses Malone
- Years Active - 1976 to 1995 [1 Ring]
Career Summary - 1329 Games, 20.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 12.2 RPG, 49.1 FG%, 76.9 FT%
Nicknamed the "Chairman of the Boards," Moses Malone was more than a rebounding machine. He was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player thrice in 1979, 1982, and 1983.
The 1983 NBA champion Malone was a prevalent force in the paint, leading the NBA in rebounding six times and amassing the third-highest total rebounds in league history.
7. David Robinson
- Years Active - 1989 to 2003 [2 Rings]
Career Summary - 987 Games, 21.1 PPG, 2.5 APG, 10.6 RPG, 51.8 FG%, 73.6 FT%
Admiringly nicknamed "The Admiral," David Robinson was a dominant center who ranked among the league's top 10 centers of all time. He is a two-time NBA champion.
The 1995 NBA MVP, Robinson, solidified his dominance on the court. He combined incredible athleticism with a polished skillset, becoming a force reckoned with on both court ends.
8. Patrick Ewing
- Years Active - 1985 to 2002
Career Summary - 1183 Games, 21.0 PPG, 1.9 APG, 9.8 RPG, 50.4 FG%, 74.0 FT%
The towering center, Patrick Ewing, with his imposing presence and unstoppable skills.
Ewing, an eleven-time NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year, led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994 and was a key component of their championship-caliber teams throughout the 90s.
9. Bob Lanier
- Years Active - 1970 to 1984
Career Summary - 959 Games, 20.1 PPG, 3.1 APG, 10.1 RPG, 51.4 FG%, 76.7 FT%
Earning the nickname "The Hook" due to his signature sweeping left-handed hook, Bob Lanier's graceful dominance solidified his place among the NBA's most significant centers.
Despite playing through multiple knee injuries, the eight-time NBA All-Star Lanier averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds over his 14-year career.
10. Bob McAdoo
- Years Active - 1972 to 1986 [2 rings]
Career Summary - 852 Games, 22.1 PPG, 2.3 APG, 9.4 RPG, 50.3 FG%, 75.4 FT%
"McAdoozie," Bob McAdoo, was a skilled rebounder and facilitator, averaging a double-double. He paved the way for an epoch of proficient big men who could shoot from outside and create for themselves and others.
The 1975 NBA MVP McAdoo's three consecutive scoring titles, including a staggering 34.5 points per game in 1974, are a testament to his offensive talent.
11. George Mikan
- Years Active - 1948 to 1956
Career Summary - 439 Games, 23.1 PPG, 2.8 APG, 13.4 RPG, 40.4 FG%, 78.2 FT%
Nicknamed "Mr. Basketball," George Mikan wasn't just another center; he was the pioneer, the revolution, and the first dominant force in the NBA.
The five-time BAA/NBA champion Mikan introduced the ambidextrous hook shot, unstoppable for smaller defenders, and utilized the underhanded free throw long before Rick Barry.
12. Nate Thurmond
- Years Active - 1963 to 1977
Career Summary - 964 Games, 15.0 PPG, 2.7 APG, 15.0 RPG, 42.1 FG%, 66.7 FT%
The seven-time NBA All-Star Nate Thurmond stands tall among the Titans, who dominated the center position in the history of the NBA.
He averaged a career-record 15.0 rebounds per game, ranking him second all-time.
In 1974, he became the first player in NBA history to record a quadruple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks.
13. Artis Gilmore
- Years Active - 1976 to 1988
Career Summary - 909 Games, 17.1 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.1 RPG, 59.9 FG%, 71.3 FT%
The Chipley, Florida native Artis Gilmore carved his name into the NBA's history books as one of the most significant centers ever playing the game.
The six-time NBA All-Star Gilmore's journey began in the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he dominated with his size and scoring prowess.
While in the ABA, he won the 1972 MVP award and led the Kentucky Colonels to a championship in 1975.
14. Dwight Howard
- Years Active - 2004 to 2022
Career Summary - 1242 Games, 15.7 PPG, 1.3 APG, 11.8 RPG, 58.7 FG%, 56.7 FT%
The 2020 NBA champion Dwight Howard has carved his name into the walls of NBA history, with his thunderous dunks and acrobatic blocks leaving fans breathless.
The eight-time NBA All-Star Howard is a top-10 rebounder in NBA history, currently sitting at 8th with 14627 rebounds. He is also a top-15 shot-blocker, with over 2,228 blocks to his name.
15. Dave Cowens
- Years Active - 1970 to 1983
Career Summary - 766 Games, 17.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, 13.6 RPG, 46.0 FG%, 78.3 FT%
The Newport, Kentucky, native Dave Cowens is one of the best centers ever to grace the court, leading the Boston Celtics to two NBA championships in 1974 and 1976.
At a respectable career average of 17.6 points per game, Cowens' true impact extended far beyond scoring.
At an average of 13.6 rebounds per game, he was a rebounding machine and a defensive stalwart, earning three All-Defensive Team selections.
16. Wes Unseld
- Years Active - 1968 to 1981
Career Summary - 984 Games, 10.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 14.0 RPG, 50.9 FG%, 63.3 FT%
The 1978 NBA champion Westley Sissel Unseld Sr. was defined by his relentless hustle and ability to control the paint.
The five-time NBA All-Star, Unseld, averaged 14.0 rebounds per game for his career, even leading the league in rebounding in 1975.
In addition, this 1969 NBA MVP was named to the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams in 1996 and 2021, respectively.
17. Willis Reed
- Years Active - 1964 to 1974
Career Summary - 650 Games, 18.7 PPG, 1.8 APG, 12.9 RPG, 47.6 FG%, 74.7 FT%
The 1982 New York Knicks' Hall of Famer, Willis Reed Jr., etched his name in NBA history with his unwavering leadership, tenacity, and remarkable basketball prowess.
The two-time NBA champion Reed's journey began with a bang, winning the 1965 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
His apex enactment came in the 1970 NBA Finals against the LA Lakers, when he secured his NBA Finals MVP award.
18. Robert Parish
- Years Active - 1976 to 1997
Career Summary - 1611 Games, 14.5 PPG, 1.4 APG, 9.1 RPG, 53.7 FG%, 72.1 FT%
Nicknamed the "Chief," Robert Lee Parish graced the court for 21 seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
The four-time NBA Champion, three with the Celtics and one with the Bulls, Parish's contributions to the NBA extend far beyond his achievements.
The nine-time NBA All-Star helped redefine the center position, proving that size and skill coexist perfectly.
19. Alonzo Mourning
- Years Active - 1992 to 2008
Career Summary - 838 Games, 17.1 PPG, 1.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 52.7 FG%, 69.2 FT%
The Virginia native center Alonzo Harding Mourning Jr. cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive players ever.
The 2006 NBA champion Mourning garnered numerous accolades throughout his 15-year career, most notably with the Miami Heat.
He earned two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (1999 and 2000) and led the league in blocks twice.
20. Larry Foust
- Years Active - 1950 to 1962
Career Summary - 817 Games, 13.7 PPG, 1.7 APG, 9.8 RPG, 40.5 FG%, 74.1 FT%
While Laurence Michael Foust isn't often cited among the NBA's greatest centers, his impact on the game is undeniable.
He conquered the paint throughout the 1950s, earning eight All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors.
The 5th overall pick in the 1950 NBA draft, Foust wasn't just a scorer but also a defensive stalwart, averaging a career record of 9.8 rebounds per game.
21. Dikembe Mutombo
- Years Active - 1991 to 2009
Career Summary - 1196 Games, 9.8 PPG, 1.0 APG, 10.3 RPG, 51.8 FG%, 68.4 FT%
Also known as the "Son of the Congo," Dikembe Mutombo was a towering force on the court, known for his dominant defense and infectious personality.
Mutombo led the NBA in blocked shots for three consecutive seasons and ranks second in career blocks, showcasing his incredible timing and athleticism.
Besides blocking, he was a strong rebounder, averaging a career record of 10.3 rebounds per game.
22. Spencer Haywood
- Years Active - 1970 to 1983
Career Summary - 760 Games, 19.2 PPG, 1.8 APG, 9.3 RPG, 46.5 FG%, 80.0 FT%
The 1980 NBA Champion Spencer Haywood is a name echoed through NBA history as a pioneer who challenged the league's eligibility rules and left an undeniable mark on the court.
He debuted onto the scene in the ABA, averaging a remarkable 30 points and 19.5 rebounds per game in his rookie year, earning the league's MVP and Rookie of the Year awards.
23. Ed Macauley
- Years Active - 1949 to 1959
Career Summary - 641 Games, 17.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, 7.5 RPG, 43.6 FG%, 76.1 FT%
The 1958 NBA champion Charles Edward Macauley deserves recognition among the elite. His dominant play earned him the nickname "Easy Ed," a testament to his smooth, effortless style.
During his NBA debut season with the Boston Celtics in 1950, he quickly established himself as a force in the paint, averaging double-doubles and earning All-Star selections.
24. Jack Sikma
- Years Active - 1977 to 1991
Career Summary - 1107 Games, 15.6 PPG, 3.2 APG, 9.8 RPG, 46.4 FG%, 84.9 FT%
The Illinois native Jack Wayne Sikma is a testament to skill and determination, carving his name among the NBA's most significant centers.
While being drafted 8th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1977, Sikma blossomed into a double-double machine.
His inside-out game and smooth shot were vital in the Sonics' 1979 championship run. He averaged 15.6 points and 12.4 rebounds that season, earning the league's respect.
25. Chris Bosh
- Years Active - 2003 to 2016
Career Summary - 893 Games, 19.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 8.5 RPG, 49.4 FG%, 79.9 FT%
The two-time NBA champion Christopher Wesson Bosh earned his place among the NBA's best centers with his versatility, scoring prowess, and championship pedigree.
While in Canada with the Raptors, he averaged 20.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, earning 11 All-Star Game selections and establishing himself as one of the league's most skilled big men.
26. Joel Embiid
- Years Active - 2016 to Present
Career Summary - 412 Games, 27.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 11.2 RPG, 50.1 FG%, 82.2 FT%
The 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, the "Process" personified, quickly established himself among the most significant centers ever.
This six-time NBA All-Star center became the NBA scoring champion twice in 2022 and 2023 at an average of 30.6 and 33.1 points per game, respectively.
He is the vocal leader of the Philadelphia 76ers, being drafted 3rd overall by the team in the 2014 NBA draft.
27. Nikola Jokic
- Years Active - 2015 to Present
Career Summary - 618 Games, 20.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, 10.6 RPG, 55.2 FG%, 82.6 FT%
The "Joker," Nikola Jokic, is the reigning NBA champion and two-time MVP, often called the "point center" for his extraordinary ability to orchestrate the offense.
The 2023 NBA Finals MVP, Jokic, is a dominant force in the paint, averaging over 20 points and ten rebounds per game in his career.
28. Brad Daugherty
- Years Active - 1986 to 1994
Career Summary - 548 Games, 19.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, 9.5 RPG, 53.2 FG%, 74.7 FT%
Brad Daugherty, drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1986, was a force to be reckoned with.
Despite being injured early in his career, he amassed five All-Star appearances, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and numerous Cavaliers franchise records.
He could score inside with finesse and power, shoot from mid-range, and even hit the occasional three-pointer.
29. Dan Issel
- Years Active - 1976 to 1985
Career Summary - 718 Games, 20.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.9 RPG, 50.6 FG%, 79.7 FT%
The 1975 ABA Champion Daniel Paul Issel took his talents to the American Basketball Association (ABA), winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1971 with the Kentucky Colonels.
Issel was a six-time ABA All-Star whose impact extended beyond scoring, as he was a skilled rebounder and passer, leading the Nuggets to the NBA Playoffs in six of his nine seasons.
30. Yao Ming
- Years Active - 2002 to 2011
Career Summary - 486 Games, 19.0 PPG, 1.6 APG, 9.2 RPG, 52.4 FG%, 83.3 FT%
The eight-time NBA All-Star Yao Ming, the 7'6" giant from China, left an indelible mark on the NBA as one of the best centers of his generation.
Regardless of his size, the 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, Yao, possessed surprising agility and touch around the basket, averaging 19.0 points per game throughout his career.
